Wreck the Halls: A Novel

The extravagant event space awes Melody. Meanwhile, she worries about her behavior on camera and the attention she’s already receiving online. Beat shepherds her from the car into the hall. Fans cheer from the street, shouting Melody’s name. Inside, Beat and Melody don masks for the party, joking about the event. Melody feels silly but notices Beat examining her body. They continue chatting, and Beat explains how the gala usually works. Danielle interrupts, pulling Melody aside and informing her that she’s inspired numerous trending hashtags, as everyone can hear the jokes she’s making.

Beat invites Melody to dance. They turn off their mics so they can talk privately. Melody tells Beat about the online attention they’re getting, admitting that she has a crush on him. Beat tries to explain that their relationship isn’t typical and that his life is complicated. He considers telling her everything but doesn’t want to hurt her. Melody argues that the reason she likes him is because he treated her like a person when they first met. Beat feels the same but explains that he’s always kept his sex life private so he doesn’t hurt his family. Octavia’s glamorous entrance interrupts their conversation.

As Octavia makes her entrance, Beat gets lost in thought. He’s frustrated with himself for what’s happening with Melody. He can’t deny his attraction to her but doesn’t know how to tell her about Fletcher and his complicated sex life. He tells himself to stop acting like he and Melody are dating. Then Octavia calls him to the front. Every year, he’s supposed to choose a wish that one of the attendees wrote down for Octavia to fulfill. Usually, he manipulates the tradition by choosing a wish that asks her to sing for everyone. This year, Melody joins him up front. Octavia is shocked to see Trina’s daughter but admits that she’s charming. When Beat is about to make the wish announcement, someone in the crowd shouts for a Steel Birds reunion.

The guests continue chanting for the Steel Birds to reunite. Melody takes the mic, realizing this is her chance to make “Wreck the Halls” work. She tells Octavia that she’s there because Trina wants “to reunite the band” (128). Octavia looks shocked. Danielle chimes in, explaining Applause Network’s program and mission. Then Melody reminds Octavia how good she and Trina were together and how happy they could make their fans with a reunion. Charmed by Melody, Octavia agrees to play one song with Trina if they can get her to Rockefeller Center.

As Beat and Melody make their way to the exit, Beat worries about Melody. They meet up with Danielle and plan to visit Trina at her New Hampshire commune the next morning. She also informs them they already have millions of viewers. Concerned for Melody’s safety, Beat insists she spends the night at his apartment. Melody hesitates but eventually agrees. The street is filled with people outside his apartment, but Beat blocks Melody from the paparazzi. Inside, they’re relieved by the quiet.

Melody marvels at Beat’s space. He pours them some drinks while she changes. He’s aroused by her appearance when she emerges from the guest room. They chat about Beat’s summer camp experiences, and Melody sympathizes with him. Worried about getting too close, Beat tells Melody goodnight. After she goes to bed, he sips out of her glass.

Melody sits on the bed, feeling confused by Beat’s behavior. She knows he’s aroused by her even though he keeps pushing her away. Then she hears something through the wall and wonders if he’s masturbating. She creeps into the hall and presses her ear to his door, hearing another few grunts. Then Beat opens the door. They kiss for a long time, and Melody thinks they’re going to have sex. However, when she starts reciprocating Beat’s intimate language, he pulls away. Embarrassed, Melody says she’s ready for bed. Beat tries to stop her but retreats to her room.

Beat can’t sleep worrying about what happened with Melody. He hopes he hasn’t hurt her or ruined their friendship. He wants to talk to her, but the camera crew is on their way over, and they have to leave for the airport. He opens the door, expecting to see Trina, and finds Fletcher in the hall instead. Fletcher pushes inside, revealing that he knows about the live stream and reiterating his threats. Beat rushes Fletcher out of the apartment, nervous that Melody will hear.

Shortly thereafter, Danielle and Joseph arrive, and Melody emerges. Her appearance makes Beat realize she’s nervous about seeing Trina. However, she jokes and makes light of the stress. Beat is impressed and thinks about how much he likes her. He wonders if everything he’s been hiding from her matters anymore.

Melody and Beat take a private plane to New Hampshire. On the way, Melody tries listening to a TED Talk to distract herself. However, she can’t stop thinking about what happened with Beat. Danielle takes her aside and asks what happened. Melody reveals the truth, and Danielle sympathizes with her confusion. Then Melody gets up to go to the bathroom. The plane hits some turbulence, and she falls into Beat’s lap. He tells her to stay there until the turbulence stops.

They chat about the Ovations scholarship applications Beat is reading to distract from the sexual tension between them. Beat broaches the topic of last night, explaining that he doesn’t let himself orgasm with women as a punishment for being privileged. Melody insists this proves he has a soul and “recognize[s] [his] good fortune” (175). She also offers to play into his fantasies. They kiss and rub their bodies against each other. They’re both aroused when they start touching each other. Because Melody now understands Beat’s preferences, she gets off his lap before he can orgasm.